An underrated relation of squid and octopus and similar in taste, it is also known as the ink fish. Cuttlefish have a large head with a bone-like structure, small tentacles and contain copious amounts of black ink that is harvested for use in pasta and risotto.
Cuttlefish is quite difficult to buy as many fishmongers think it too inky and messy to bother with. You will need to be pre-order it unless you have access to a fish market. It’s available most of the year.
Preparing cuttlefish makes a mess like no other! The tentacles, eyes and beak need to be removed. The head is then gutted and the ink sack removed; the skin is also removed. The head, once skinned, is brilliantly white and can be thinly sliced, then pan-fried or poached. Cuttlefish tentacles, on the other hand, are tough and are best casseroled with garlic, wine, balsamic vinegar and red onion.
Article by CJ Jackson
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